Dual flush toilet
Encyclopedia
A dual-flush toilet is a variation of the flush toilet
that uses two buttons or handles to flush different levels of water. It was invented by Australia
n inventor Bruce Thompson in 1980 while working for Caroma, and although the first generation dual-flush toilet caught on, a redesign in 1993 cut water usage in half when used properly. It has been proven to save up to 67% of water usage in most homes. Due to the more complex mechanism, it is more expensive than many other types of low-flow toilets.
, and the larger is designed for solid waste. It also uses a larger 4 inches (10.2 cm) trapway in the bowl, allowing for water to come out faster and clear the bowl efficiently.
of 4 and 5 stars in Australia.
Australian governments are encouraging the replacement of old single flush toilets with more water efficient toilets through toilet rebates. For dual flush toilets, with a star rating of 4 or higher, owners can qualify to claim up to $200 from the State government of Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
ting systems have brought the price down significantly, costing approx. $30 USD.
"Dual flush units are a little more expensive than other low flow toilet designs. There is also the problem of aesthetics. If you like a tidy toilet bowl that's half full of sparkling clear water, the dual flush concept will be a bit of an adjustment. Typically, dual flush toilets only retain a little water in the bowl, and flushing won't always get rid of all the waste. Even in full flush mode, there's some occasional streaking. With a dual flush toilet, you'll probably use your toilet brush more often, but then you probably won't need to keep the plunger nearby."
Flush toilet
A flush toilet is a toilet that disposes of human waste by using water to flush it through a drainpipe to another location. Flushing mechanisms are found more often on western toilets , but many squat toilets also are made for automated flushing...
that uses two buttons or handles to flush different levels of water. It was invented by Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n inventor Bruce Thompson in 1980 while working for Caroma, and although the first generation dual-flush toilet caught on, a redesign in 1993 cut water usage in half when used properly. It has been proven to save up to 67% of water usage in most homes. Due to the more complex mechanism, it is more expensive than many other types of low-flow toilets.
Mechanism
As it is a development of the traditional Australian flush toilet, the dual-flush toilet differs from siphon-flush toilets in that it relies on gravity to remove waste from the toilet. In addition to its dual flush feature, the lack of siphoning also results in it requiring less water to operate. The lack of siphoning also means that it is similar to an aeroplane toilet; the water line is considerably lower than that of siphon-flush toilets. The main feature of the toilet is that it has two buttons for releasing water. It outputs water in both 0.8-gallon (3 litre) and 1.6-gallon (6 litre) capacities. The smaller level is designed for liquid wasteUrine
Urine is a typically sterile liquid by-product of the body that is secreted by the kidneys through a process called urination and excreted through the urethra. Cellular metabolism generates numerous by-products, many rich in nitrogen, that require elimination from the bloodstream...
, and the larger is designed for solid waste. It also uses a larger 4 inches (10.2 cm) trapway in the bowl, allowing for water to come out faster and clear the bowl efficiently.
Advantages
The dual flush toilet system, due to its ability to save up to 67% of water usage, has been promoted by the Australian Government under its Target 155 campaign. Dual flush toilet suites started out with a 9/4.5L flush, however, new innovations from Caroma, Australia's leading bathroom brand, have brought that down to 4.5/3L flush, achieving a WELS ratingWELS rating
Water Efficiency Labelling and Standard is a labeling scheme initiated by the Australian Government to help Australian households conserve water and money...
of 4 and 5 stars in Australia.
Australian governments are encouraging the replacement of old single flush toilets with more water efficient toilets through toilet rebates. For dual flush toilets, with a star rating of 4 or higher, owners can qualify to claim up to $200 from the State government of Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
Disadvantages
Despite the high water-savings quality the toilet has a few disadvantages. It may be slightly more expensive than other low flow toilets. Certain retrofitRetrofit
Retrofitting refers to the addition of new technology or features to older systems.* power plant retrofit, improving power plant efficiency / increasing output / reducing emissions...
ting systems have brought the price down significantly, costing approx. $30 USD.
"Dual flush units are a little more expensive than other low flow toilet designs. There is also the problem of aesthetics. If you like a tidy toilet bowl that's half full of sparkling clear water, the dual flush concept will be a bit of an adjustment. Typically, dual flush toilets only retain a little water in the bowl, and flushing won't always get rid of all the waste. Even in full flush mode, there's some occasional streaking. With a dual flush toilet, you'll probably use your toilet brush more often, but then you probably won't need to keep the plunger nearby."